anemia and surgery

My anemia was confirmed 3 weeks ago with my original diagnosis and scheduling of surgery. My blood count was 6.7. I've been on mega doses of iron and actually felt better for a week or so except for the loosing weight due to not being able to eat, which is a mixed blessing. However the source of the anemia made its regular visit in the form of HEAVY bleeding for 8-10 days and now I'm back down to a blood count of 7.8.

This time I was sent to the hospital for in iron infusion. I'll be doing this once a week until the surgery. I can live with the two hours of peace and quiet once a week and the very sore IV site. I'm just worried because I will probably have 1 more period right before surgery and they will not operate until my blood level is where it should be. It's just a vicious cycle and I do not want to postpone my surgery. I'm ready. Now. I want to start healing and stop feeling lousy all the time. I want to be able to live again and not just survive one day at a time.

Thanks again for giving me this place to vent and for knowing that I will be understood by others going through the same thing.

mostuff

My surgeon transfused me with 2 units of Red Blood Cells the night before surgery.

I was in the same cycle, I couldn't get enough Iron to bring my H&H up enough for surgery. Since I was bleeding throughout the month it was decided that this was the best option. 2 units of blood brought my Hgb up 2 points from 8 to 10. After surgery I only dropped 1 point to like 8.6. I think having the higher levels have made my recovery go better.

Since I was probably looking at a transfusion during or after surgery I decided to go ahead and get it before. It will lower the risks associated with surgery and speed up your recovery. I didn't want to get to a really critical levle (like 5) because that can cause cardiac complications.

Good luck, hope all goes well for you! The surgery itself was a piece of cake! After only 2 weeks I feel great. I can't wait to get my iron stores to a normal level and have energy again!

Lisa

	Quote:
Originally posted by Lisa2403 My surgeon transfused me with 2 units of Red Blood Cells the night before surgery. I was in the same cycle, I couldn't get enough Iron to bring my H&H up enough for surgery. Since I was bleeding throughout the month it was decided that this was the best option. 2 units of blood brought my Hgb up 2 points from 8 to 10. After surgery I only dropped 1 point to like 8.6. I think having the higher levels have made my recovery go better. Since I was probably looking at a transfusion during or after surgery I decided to go ahead and get it before. It will lower the risks associated with surgery and speed up your recovery. I didn't want to get to a really critical levle (like 5) because that can cause cardiac complications. Good luck, hope all goes well for you! The surgery itself was a piece of cake! After only 2 weeks I feel great. I can't wait to get my iron stores to a normal level and have energy again! Lisa

Lisa, I had 2 pints of blood several months before surgery, because my count was down to 5.2 & I wasn't even on my period! I had been living like that for no telling how long, but I suspect 3-4 years. It seems like once I got the "kick start" & got the bleeding under control my levels just kept going up. In fact, my dr had me stop taking iron supplements within 2 months of receiving the transfusions. Just prior to surgery, mine was up to almost 15! It's just my opinion, but I suspect that being anemic causes more anemia, because it causes all your organs (including your thyroid which aid in the production of blood cells) to be slugglish. I think you should be feeling better soon!

Good luck and I hope your iron level is high enough to have your surgury.

Hi, it sounds like you and your dr are doing everything that you can to try to keep your blood count where it needs to be. It does seem to be helping some, hopefully the weekly infusions will continue working. Remember to eat, even when you don't really feel like it.

I'll be that it works and you can keep moving towards a better future.

s

Thanks,

I was feeling very depressed about the whole thing last Friday. I had a horrible weekend, but am finally feeling better. I appreciated all the support.

mostuff

Mostuff,
When I was diagnosed with severe anemia because of the heavy bleeding, I was put on massive doses of iron - 1500 mg a day. My blood count was 6.1. The doctor wanted to due a transfusion but I refused. In addition to the iron pills I ate large quantities of food with iron...I had spinach salads every day at lunch. My blood count slowly increase and was at about 14 - 16 when I had surgery. I did take the iron pills for about two weeks after surgery and then discontinued. My blood count returned to normal.

If you can't completely tolerate the iron, look into foods such as spinach, kale, any other dark leafy vegetables, red meat, raisins. I tried to incorporate these foods into my diet and think it really helped in addition to the iron supplements.